[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 17 (Thursday, January 26, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 5012-5013]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-01499]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

[Docket No. USCG-2022-0705]


Certificate of Alternative Compliance for SHAVER O.N. 1257204, 
HULL 129

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notification of issuance of a certificate of alternative 
compliance.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard announces that the Chief, Prevention Division, 
Thirteenth Coast Guard District has issued a certificate of alternative 
compliance from the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions 
at Sea, 1972 (72 COLREGS), for the SHAVER, O.N. 1257204, HULL 129. We 
are issuing this notice because its publication is required by statute. 
Due to the construction and placement of the mooring and anchor winches 
and fittings, placement of the sidelights in this area would be a 
potential hazard to the crew during vessel operations and may subject 
them to potential damage during mooring. The SHAVER, O.N. 1257204, HULL 
129, cannot fully comply with the light, shape, or sound signal 
provisions of the 72 COLREGS without interfering with the vessel's 
design and construction. This

[[Page 5013]]

notification of issuance of a certificate of alternative compliance 
promotes the Coast Guard's marine safety mission.

DATES: The Certificate of Alternative Compliance was issued on December 
20, 2022.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For information or questions about 
this notice call or email Ms. Jill L. Lazo, Thirteenth District, U.S. 
Coast Guard; telephone 206-220-7232, email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The United States is signatory to the 
International Maritime Organization's International Regulations for 
Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (72 COLREGS), as amended. The 
special construction or purpose of some vessels makes them unable to 
comply with the light, shape, or sound signal provisions of the 72 
COLREGS. Under statutory law, however, specified 72 COLREGS provisions 
are not applicable to a vessel of special construction or purpose if 
the Coast Guard determines that the vessel cannot comply fully with 
those requirements without interfering with the special function of the 
vessel.\1\
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    \1\ 33 U.S.C. 1605.
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    The owner, builder, operator, or agent of a special construction or 
purpose vessel may apply to the Coast Guard District Office in which 
the vessel is being built or operated for a determination that 
compliance with alternative requirements is justified,\2\ and the Chief 
of the Prevention Division would then issue the applicant a certificate 
of alternative compliance (COAC) if he or she determines that the 
vessel cannot comply fully with 72 COLREGS light, shape, and sound 
signal provisions without interference with the vessel's special 
function.\3\ If the Coast Guard issues a COAC, it must publish notice 
of this action in the Federal Register.\4\
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    \2\ 33 CFR 81.5.
    \3\ 33 CFR 81.9.
    \4\ 33 U.S.C. 1605(c) and 33 CFR 81.18.
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    The Chief, Prevention Division, of the Thirteenth Coast Guard 
District, U.S. Coast Guard, certifies that the SHAVER, O.N. 1257204, 
HULL 129, is a towing vessel of special construction or purpose, and 
that, with respect to the position of the sidelights, stern and towing 
lights, it is not possible to comply fully with the requirements of the 
provisions enumerated in the 72 COLREGS, without interfering with the 
normal operation, construction, or design of the vessel. The Chief, 
Prevention Division further finds and certifies that the sidelights, 
are in the closest possible compliance with the applicable provisions 
of the 72 COLREGS.\5\
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    \5\ 33 U.S.C. 1605(a); 33 CFR 81.9.
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    This notice is issued under authority of 33 U.S.C. 1605(c) and 33 
CFR 81.18.

    Dated: January 11, 2023.
P.C. Burkett,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Chief, Prevention Division, Thirteenth Coast 
Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2023-01499 Filed 1-25-23; 8:45 am]
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